Know when to shop and you’ll bag incredible bargains
Woman’s Day, May 2010
Bargain hunters know TIMING is the key to saving thousands. Deal-hunting secrets include specific days and even the exact time of day.
Hotel rooms – According to Peter Greensberg, CBS News Travel Editor, follow these steps:
• Call the hotel’s direct number, not the 800 number
• Ask to speak to the manager on duty, he has the authority to negotiate rates
• Be courteous, tell the manager you’re looking for a great deal during a specific time frame. Ask, “what can you do for me?”
• Say thank you
Air Travel – Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com recommends the following:
• The perfect time to shop for cheap airfare is 3 pm Eastern time on Tuesday
• Cheapest days to fly – Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
• Cheapest times are the first flight of the day, then noon or dinnertime
Groceries – Author Stephanie Nelson, The Coupon Mom’s Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half, recommends:
• getting to know your store’s “bargain personality”
• Check with the produce and meat managers to find out when they do the markdowns
• Many stores consider Wednesday the first day of the sales week
Electronics – Brent Butterworth at Sound & Vision says shop between April and the end of summer to save 20 to 30 percent or more.
Dinner Out – Mark Di Vincenzo, author, says you’ll save a bundle if you go out on Tuesday. Also food deliveries start early in the week, so food served on Tuesday is fresher.
Clothing – Michelle McKinney Hammond, author, says knowing when to shop can save up to 60 percent. She suggests waiting for six weeks from the time the item was introduced for it to go on sale. Hit the stores on Thursday which is typically the first day of the sale.
Bicycles- Bikes are typically discounted after the holiday season in January.
But here is a better idea: check local police and fire departments. Many hold auctions of bikes that were stolen, recovered, and never claimed. Expect to pay as low as 10 to 25 percent of retail.
Sports Equipment – Usually these items are least expensive at the end of the season. Spring is a good time to find bargains at garage and tags sales or at secondhand stores.
Furniture – Two months are better known for bargains on new furniture – January and July to make room for new shipments. The only difference may be a selection of upholstery or color choice.
Linens and Bedding – Originally called the “January White Sales” by John Wanamaker in 1878, these sales keep turnover high and prices low. Many retailers continue this tradition, so shop for sheets and towels in January.
And the best time to return stuff … At 10:00 am on any day other than December 26th. Generally the more experienced employees work the day shift. And remember to have the appropriate documentation and/or receipts.
From Woman’s Day, May 2010. Live Well Money by Mary Hunt
Shared with you by Gail Long
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